Game Preview - Bentley

The #22 Golden Rams open the 2019 season when they host the Bentley Falcons on Saturday. Kickoff in John A. Farrell Stadium is scheduled for noon. This will mark the fourth and final year of opening the season against the Falcons.

Series History:
West Chester holds a 3-0 lead in the series with the Golden Rams winning in Waltham in 2016 by a score of 31-24 before hammering Bentley at home in 2017 by a score of 51-9. West Chester also secured a dominating victory last season in Waltham. Bentley head coach Bill Kavanaugh enters his sixth season at the helm with a record of 25-28 after going 4-6 last year. Meanwhile, Golden Ram head coach Bill Zwaan starts his 17th season at West Chester with an overall record of 135-59, including 10-3 against Northeast-10 opponents and 3-0 against Bentley.

Last Meeting:

08/30/2018 West Chester 44 - Bentley 6

West Chester had a 27-point second quarter outburst, and exhibited a stifling defensive effort en route to a 44-6 romp in Waltham, MA. The Falcons were held to just 63 total yards and seven first downs. The Golden Ram defense also registered seven sacks and forced three turnovers.

Cole Zapf had six total tackles while Ch'aim Smith had four tackles including 1.5 sacks. Jordan Burney returned an interception 15 yards. Lex Rosario had two catches for 36 yards and Andrew Chegia converted 4-5 PAT attempts and a 28-yard field goal.

Scouting the Opponent:

After falling to West Chester in the season opener last year, Bentley went 4-5 in the Northeast 10 finishing in sixth place in their conference. The Falcons were picked to finish fourth in their conference this season.

Perkiomen Valley product Stephen Sturm (136 of 256 for 1,681 yards, 9 TD's, 7 int's) starts his junior season at quarterback with 13 starts under his belt. He should get a big boost from the return of receiver Drew Mahoney (51 catches, 485 yards, 6 TD's in 7 games in 2017) who was lost for the year due to an injury incurred in the first half of last year's game against West Chester. Sophomore Noah Neville (29 catches, 394 yards, 4 TD's) is the top returning receiver while classmate Isaiah Collins (4 catches, 13 yards, 11 carries, 22 yards) was named to the Northeast-10 All-Rookie Team for his efforts as a kick returner (25 returns, 633 yards). Junior running back Andrew Brazicki (142 carries, 537 yards, 4 TD's) was Bentley's leading ground gainer last year while right guard Matt Boyle earned third-team All-Northeast-10 honors after starting all ten games in 2018.

The defense is led by defensive back and team captain Pete Thorbahn (76 tackles, 6 interceptions) who was the Falcons' top tackler and received first team All-NE10 honors. Linebacker Marc Doran (56 tackles, 5.5 TFL) and defensive backs Derek Perkins (28 tackles, 5 int's, 7 PD's) and Tom Sullivan (50 tackles, 1 TFL) are among the top returning tacklers. Sophomore defensive linemen Cedric Dashiell II (28 tackles, 4 TFL) and Steven Paulino (17 tackles, 2 TFL) were both named to the Northeast-10 All-Rookie Team last season.

Senior kicker Grant Buchanan (22 of 23 PAT's, 8 of 12 FG, 46 long) returns for his final season.

Analysis:

Bentley was young last year and returns a good portion of its nucleus. Meanwhile, West Chester is inexperienced on defense and lacks depth at a lot of positions. The two-deep for the season opener shows 14 freshman or redshirt freshman. This game will be a good measuring stick for the Golden Rams for the remainder of the season.

Atomic Football is predicting a 26-point win for West Chester while Massey Ratings projects a similar 22-point margin.

Game Coverage:

Live Stats   Audio   Video  

West Chester Athletic Site - Depth Chart - West Chester vs. Bentley

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Football Opens Season Saturday Against Bentley

PSAC Site - PSAC Football Notes: Week 1

Bentley Athletic Site - Bentley Kicks Off 2019 Season Saturday at No. 22 West Chester

Bentley Athletic Site - Kavanaugh previews the 2019 season

Daily Local News- With James ineligible, Zwaan needs West Chester receivers to step up

D2football - PSAC East Columnist - PSAC East Week 1 Preview

D2football - Northeast-10 Columnist - Week 1 in the NE-10

Team News - 2019 Second Scrimmage Report

The Golden Rams held their final scrimmage before hosting Bentley next Saturday at noon. Here are some observations:

• Scrimmages always start with kicking drills and more time was spent in this area this week. Despite the extra effort, the kicking game - both kick scoring and punting - is still very inconsistent. It can be very good some times, but it just seems so unpredictable.
  
• Prior to actual game action, the officiating crew gave the entire team a briefing at midfield.
  
• Scrimmages have their own set of rules which can be very amusing. Where else can you see an incomplete pass on third down result in a first down without a defensive penalty?
  
• The offenses struggled to score early in the event, which is a concern since the first team offense was facing the second team defense.
  
• Zach Gilbert got the first set of reps with the second team offense, but Mike Piperno stood out. He connected with Seth Degree for a long gain, and lobbed a touchdown pass to Carrington Hooks. And not to be overlooked was his effort attempting to track down Sterlen Barr on a scoop and score. It was a scrimmage after all, but that didn't prevent Piperno from an all out sprint in pursuit of the high school running back.
  
• The younger coach Zwaan even got to practice yelling at the officials when Marcus Wilson was ruled short on a goal line plunge. Ja'Den McKenzie did punch it across on the next play though.
  
• Cole Zapf had a nice interception on a little dump pass over the middle. The sophomore is likely to see a lot of time this season.
  
• If practice jersey numbers are right, and there's no one being held out for precautionary reasons, true freshman Izaiah McPherson may be starting at the one cornerback spot on Saturday.
  

Lex Rosario picks up a first down (Photo Gina Chapman)

Nick Chapman rides Isaiah Bruce out of bounds (Photo Gina Chapman)

Carrington Hooks eludes a host of tackles (Photo Gina Chapman)

Zach Gilbert tosses a pass to Isaiah Allen (Photo Gina Chapman)

Alumni News - Packers Release Rouse

The Green Bay Packers have reportedly released former Golden Ram defensive back Nydair Rouse. In four preseason games this summer, Rouse logged nine solo tackles while the Packers went 2-2.

Packers Wire - Tracking Packers' roster cuts down to 53 players

Fuller Metrics - Fuller's Final Packers 53-Man Roster Prediction

Player News - Five Golden Rams Receive D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award

Five West Chester Golden Ram players have received honors for their performance in the classroom for the 2018-19 academic year. Offensive lineman Tyler Drob, offensive lineman Alex Coren, offensive lineman Brian Ross, offensive lineman Patrick Ferry, and defensive back Cole Zapf were all named recipients of the Division 2 Athletics Directors Association Academic Achievement Award. Ross is a repeat honoree.

In order to be recognized, each player must have completed a minimum of four semesters of college work, have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during the past academic year, and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

Overall, 101 women and 33 men from West Chester University received recognition. Once again, the PSAC was one of the most represented conferences in the country with 975 student-athletes honored.

National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics - D2 ADA Announces 2018-19 Academic Achievement Recipients

PSAC Site - PSAC Paces All NCAA DII Conferences with 975 D2 ADA Achievement Award Recipients

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Lands 134 Student-Athletes On D2 ADA List

Team News - Golden Rams Ranked in AFCA Preseason Poll

West Chester is ranked #22 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II preseason poll. The Golden Rams return 13 starters from last year's playoff team that finished 10-1.

West Chester opens the 2019 season when they host Bentley on September 7 at noon.

American Football Coaches Association - Division II Coaches’ Poll – August 26, 2019

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Ranked 22nd in AFCA Preseason Poll

Team News - 2019 First Scrimmage Report

It's difficult to make meaningful observations during scrimmages. The primary challenge is that practice jerseys are worn, so of the numbers that are actually not too faded to still be legible, they often do not match to those of the official roster. Secondly, head coach Bill Zwaan has the first string offense face the second string defense and vice versa, so players are not against equal strength. Nonetheless, here are some attempts from Saturday's game action:

• Running back Phil Poquie looks ready for football. The former Virginia lacrosse player hasn't played organized football since his senior year at the Haverford School in 2015. But he showed no signs of rust running, catching and making moves on would be tacklers.
  
• IUP tranfer Yahmir Wilkerson got the first nod as the number three quarterback. Honestly, the morning was difficult for any quarterback that didn't have the benefit of the first offensive line blocking the second defense, but Wilkerson made good decisions in finding a one-on-one receiver and keeping the ball away from defenders.
  
• Zwaan was none too happy when the offense fumbled away the football in a goal line situation.
  
• Freshman Izaiah McPherson (if it truly was him) saw a lot of time at the one corner position. True sophomore Sterlen Barr looks to have the other corner spot locked up, but both positions will be inexperienced.
  
• The only player that appeared to suffer an injury during the exhibition was running back Maurice Mazzccua and he even returned to action.
  
• Defensive tackle Joe DeSanto looked as hungry as a guy who hasn't played football in almost two years. It was great to see him on the field and he could be a real menace for opposing offenses this season.
  

West Chester's final scrimmage of the summer is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 31 at 10:00 am.

Ch'aim Smith is unable to slap down Zach Gilbert's pass (Photo Gina Chapman)

Phil Poquie makes a nice after catch move for a big gain (Photo Gina Chapman)

Yahmir Wilkerson looks for a receiver downfield (Photo Gina Chapman)

Omar Peterkin takes aim on Mike Piperno (Photo Gina Chapman)

Team News - 2019 Roster Changes

Now that camp has opened, there have been a few changes to the 2019 roster.

Departures:

The most notable omission from the roster is receiver Rasheem James. James, the 2017 ECAC Offensive Rookie of the Year, had last season cut short when he was injured in the fifth game of the year against Shippensburg. Despite the shortened season, James still led the 2018 Golden Rams in receiving touchdowns with seven and was second on the team in receptions with 28 and receiving yards with 376. He appeared physically fine in his performance in the spring game.

Defensive end David Simmons is also not listed on the roster. In his 2018 sophomore season, Simmons logged 14 tackles including 3.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries in eight games. Also gone are receiver Ethan Price (13 catches, 298 yards, 3 TD's in his one season at West Chester after transferring from Bloomsburg), offensive lineman Jack Mummert (played in 12 games in his three years for the Golden Rams) and receiver Darnell Ferrell (24 yards rushing and 53 yards receiving in 2018).

It may be worth noting that James' #11 and Simmons' #94 remain unassigned for 2019.

Additions:

Some intriguing additions have also occurred in the offseason. Running back Phil Poquie has joined the West Chester football team after his coach dismissed him from the University of Virginia lacrosse team in January 2017.

After playing three years at running back for East Stroudsburg, James Bell has joined the Golden Rams as a defensive back. And quarterback Yahmir Wilkerson has come to West Chester after spending his true freshman season at PSAC rival IUP. Wilkerson was a two-time first team All-State quarterback at Harrisburg, advancing to the class 5A state championship game in 2016 and throwing for 2,104 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2017.

Other newcomers include linebacker Rashon Wiggins (Shippensburg), offensive lineman Saleem Lockett (Morgan State), and defensive tackle A.J. Perez (Temple).

Position Changes:

Every year there are some position changes and this year is no different. Jalik Smith had 53 all-purpose yards over his first two seasons and has now switched from receiver to defensive back. Trael Seegers (58 carries, 284 yards, 2 TD's) , the Golden Rams fourth leading rusher last season, has also moved to defensive back. And defensive end and long snapper Shane Griffin is expected to do all the snaps now as the top center for the offense.

Returning:

After not appearing on last year's roster, running back Isaiah Bruce, offensive lineman Caden Alexander-Gray, receiver Nasir Mundy, and defensive back Devin Darden are all listed after a one-year hiatus. But probably the most notable return is defensive tackle Joe DeSanto. In his redshirt freshman year in 2016, DeSanto appeared in all 11 games and made 17 tackles. The following year, he was limited to just five games and missed all of 2018. His return will certainly bolster a defensive line that was affect by graduation.

No Shows:

Of the massive 2019 unofficial recruiting class, only quarterback Javon Clements, receiver Marcus Simmons, and receiver Andrew Vera do not appear on the 2019 roster.

Team News - 2019 Season Preview

The reigning PSAC champion Golden Rams enter the 2019 season seeking their third consecutive NCAA Division II playoff appearance. And despite being picked to win the PSAC East again by the conference coaches, there will be a lot of new faces on this year's squad.

Offense

Of the ten offensive lineman listed on last year's playoff game depth chart, seven are gone. Only left tackle Brendan Ruskowski, right guard Frank Tranzilli, and right tackle Patrick Ferry return, although they have plenty of starts under their belt. Filling out the offensive line and building depth will be a challenge for this young group as Tranzilli is the only senior.

Last season's top three rushers - quarterback A.J. Long, running back Mark Dukes, and running back Mike Class - have all completed their eligibility. Those three accounted for 1,812 (80%) of the team's 2,249 rushing yards and 24 (86%) of the team's 28 touchdowns on the ground. Expect to see a lot of Ja'Den McKenzie and Trael Seegers (58 carries, 284 yards, 2 TD's).

Although quarterback Paul Dooley was limited to just three games last season, he started 11 games in 2017 throwing for 2,372 yards and 21 touchdowns. He'll likely be backed up by Mike Piperno and Zach Gilbert.

The receiving corps is the most experienced unit on offense with four of 2018's top receivers returning including Lex Rosario (52 catches, 755 yards, 5 TD's), former ECAC Rookie of the Year Rasheem James (28 catches, 376 yards, 7 TD's), H-back Dan Neuhaus (16 catches, 214 yards, 3 TD's), and tight end Cody Boozel (14 catches, 298 yards, 4 TD's).

Defense

On the defensive line, the only returning significant contributors from last season are defensive end Ch'aim Smith (35 tackles, 9.5 sacks) and tackle Omar Peterkin (24 tackles, 5.5 TFL), so there will some new faces there as well. Look for 6'5" Fulani Freeman to emerge at the other defensive end spot.

All three of last year's linebackers are gone, including unanimous All-American Tyler Morrissey, Nydair Rouse (now with the Green Bay Packers), and Nate Barnes due to legal issues. Last season, Nyeem Jones (21 tackles) spelled Rouse but made most of his tackles on special teams. It's possible that Jordan Burney (28 tackles, 2 int's) moves from his strong safety position to linebacker much like the team did with Barnes last season. Regardless, this unit appears to be young and vulnerable.

There's no doubt that the secondary will be led by senior safety Jarey Elder (46 tackles, 7 int's). After finishing third in the country in interceptions last year, Elder has picked up pre-season national recognition from Street & Smith and College Football America Starting Lineup. Other than Sterlen Barr (23 tackles, 2 PBU), who saw increased playing time at cornerback as the season went on, the secondary will also be lacking experience.

Special Teams

Two-time All-PSAC East kicker Andrew Chegia (6-9 FG, 51-56 PAT) returns and expect George Lambritsios to do the punting. Elder is the likely punt returner and Shane Griffin should do the long snapping.

Camp

Players are due to report on Sunday August 11. Scrimmages are tentatively planned for Saturday August 24 and Saturday August 31 at 10:00 am.

Here's a summary of where the Golden Rams are ranked in the national preseason polls and rating services:

Ratings Service	Rank
Lindy’s	15
AFCA	22
Massey	28
D2Football.com	19
ComputerRatings.com	24

D2Football - PSAC East Columnist - PSAC East Season Preview

Daily Local - Zwaan, WCU have high hopes, despite having target on their back

KYW Newsradio - College football preview: WCU looks to defend PSAC title

Team News - Golden Rams Picked To Finish First Again

The West Chester University Golden Rams were picked to finish first in the division by the conference coaches at the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference annual Football Media Day. West Chester, the reigning division and conference champions, received six of eight first place votes among the division's coaches. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Golden Rams were chosen to win the division.

Predicted order with first place votes in parentheses:

Eastern Division
1. West Chester (6)
2. Shepherd (2)
3. Kutztown
4. Shippensburg
5. Bloomsburg
6. East Stroudsburg
7. Millersville
8. Lock Haven

The PSAC East Head Football Coaches
Mark Maciejewski (Shippensburg), J.C. Morgan (Millersville), Ernie McCook (Shepherd), Dave Taynor (Lock Haven), Jimmy Terwilliger (East Stroudsburg), Bill Zwaan (West Chester), Paul Darragh (Bloomsburg), Jim Clements (Kutztown)
(Photo PSAC Sports)

PSAC Site - West Chester Tops PSAC East Football Preseason Poll

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Picked To Repeat In PSAC Eastern Division Preseason Football Poll

Alumni News - Williams, Rouse Prepare for NFL

Two Golden Ram alumni are preparing for the upcoming NFL season which is fast approaching. Former All-American linebacker Ronell Williams was named defensive quality control coach for the Chicago Bears earlier this year.

Ronell Williams (Photo Bert Garbutt)

Meanwhile, after being invited to minicamp, former shark linebacker Nydair Rouse was signed by the Green Bay Packers in early May. He'll be battling eleven other cornerbacks currently on the roster with only one of them having more than four seasons of experience.

Nydair Rouse (Photo Ron Hockman)

PhillyVoice - How Chester's Ronell Williams went from volunteer coach to NFL assistant in three short years

Philadelphia Tribune - Nydair Rouse prepares for Green Bay Packers training camp

Packers.com - Countdown to Camp: Depth at cornerback must get sorted out

West Chester Athletic Site - Rouse Opens Camp With The Packers; Williams Coaching With The Bears

Philadelphia Inquirer - Former Simon Gratz football star takes memory of slain friend to Green Bay Packers training camp